Knives and guns in schools make dramatic headlines, but experts warn there is a more insidious threat to students in school hallways — bullying.
Every day, an estimated one in four children is bullied, which affects students’ sense of security more than any other school safety problem, a U.S. Department of Justice study states.
Bullying in schools can blossom under less-than-watchful eyes and children’s increasingly high-tech social world complicates the situation, said Dr. Susan M. Swearer, an expert on the subject who will offer free training Thursday here on how to thwart bullies in schools.
When teachers and administrators have the attitude that “it’s just kids being kids and it’s not that big of a deal,” bullying is more likely, she said. Demonstrated lack of tolerance for the aggressive behavior among school officials lowers the likelihood of such actions, she said.
Bullying has gained attention across the United States in recent years.